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What is the difference between limestone and dolomite

What is the difference between limestone and dolomite

Answer:

The main component of dolomite as magnesium calcium carbonate, Mohs hardness value (MOH) between 3.5 to 4.The main components of dolomite ore are calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate. This stone appears in appearance is very close to the limestone, in fact, found in the limestone deposits of the area, will often find dolomite. Most dolomite deposits contain a certain proportion of limestone. The important basis for distinguishing dolomite is that the content of dolomite minerals in rocks is not less than 50%. In addition, dolomite is a porous stone. Because of the chemical composition of dolomite is not sensitive to acid, dolomite has better weather resistance.In general, the two methods are usually used to distinguish limestone and dolomite from the hardness test and the acid test.Mohs hardness test method (MOH) is a simple mechanical test method, namely with another known hardness of the metal to scratch the stone. The hardness value of dolomite was measured from 3 to 4. The acid test rule is to dilute the hydrochloric acid coated on the surface of stone, limestone reaction is strong, and dolomite reaction is not obvious, the surface will form powder. If the above test results are not obvious, the need for laboratory analysis. If you can know the source of stone ore, mineral species and components will be clear.
Produced from the sea of limestone from the physical change animal and plant debris, mud and calcareous skeletons in the water organic matter and other components. After the death of the organic matter, the carbonate is dissolved in seawater and accumulates on the sea floor. When the limestone is cut, it is found that there are intact or destroyed fossils inside the stone.Unless limestone forms a reef, in general, limestone from the sea has a layered structure. Its structure may be dense, perhaps with granular pores.
The limestone is also called calcite, calcium carbonate, its Mohs hardness value (MOH) 3Limestone is a composition containing calcite single rock, calcite components accounted for 95%, which contains a small amount of minerals and clay minerals, siderite, dolomite, quartz, feldspar, mica and can reflect the color of the stone. The pure limestone is white. Limonite and siderite make the limestone produce a pattern and color of brown, such as red blood, sea green, chlorite green, asphalt ash until black.

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